Really, like really looking forward to a concert is not something I’ve done too often this year. There’ve been some amazing shows so far but…eeeh. I hate to say it, but I’ve been up to my ears with work and not as able to pay attention. The shows that did blow my mind (ahem, Nosaj Thing) have been ones I just happened to stumble upon. The shows I was super looking forward to failed to deliver in one way or another (ahem, MGMT). This was not the case with Band of Horses. Ever since it was announced I knew I had to be in Kona for the first-ever Mai Tai Festival that the Royal Kona Resort put together, but there was no way I was missing this show. The lovely lazy sort of indie rock with brain-piercing vocals and super-distinctive guitar sounds has really had an effect on me, and after working so hard the only place I needed to be was at that show right up front crying like a little baby. Racing from the airport to Pipeline Cafe Sunday night to catch opener Matt Costa, I couldn’t help but worry that something would be off. That the technical equipment would be jacked and we wouldn’t have the full effect of their big sound. That the band members would come out and perform their music just staring down at their instruments and not engage the crowd. That I would get in a car accident on the way to the show. Stealing glances at the line wrapping around the street as I rushed inside I could tell everyone was already in a sort of dream state. Was Band of Horses really in Honolulu? Was this show actually about to happen? It only got better as newlywed Matt Costa warmed everyone up with his set, sounding more in love than ever with new music that was like a folky lullaby. Think, more “Astair” than “Mr. Pitiful.” You could definitely feel a whole new rush of inspiration, and Honolulu even got to meet his new wife in the flesh as she joined him on stage to sing a bit. Meanwhile I couldn’t sit still. The Contrast magazine folks were the first people in the door to secure the highly coveted couch spot right above the stage in the VIP and welcomed me to sit on the floor in front of them, but I was too fidgety and cramped and had to be more engulfed in the show. Daniel Dae Kim was chilling on the stairs and although it would have been amazing to watch the show with him, I felt bad about standing in front of Kawehi Haug as she live-Twittered the concert. I went downstairs and squeezed up to the photo pit in front as the amazing crescendos were exploding on to the crowd with perfect sound during “The Great Salt Lake” but was getting nervous that I might accidentally pop a flash and distract these amazing musicians that were on stage. It was easier than I thought to get through the crowd with everyone in a collective trance and before I knew it I had my spot. Right there, stage right, gripping the rails for support when I needed it, which was often. Not from like a pushy crowd or anything, but just from the pure power of the performance. Being right there at their side as they played, I was welcomed in to their wavelength and I’ll tell you, these guys absolutely love playing together. There’s some bands that just need to be seen live, and they are definitely one of them. Bassist Bill Reynolds and guitarist Tyler Ramsey vibing with whoever they caught eye contact with, sending a “this is for you” look definitely had me engaged, as did the music that sounded better and cleaner and more powerful than ever. Just damn, Band of Horses. Thank you for restoring my faith. I’m awake, I’m awake.

Band of Horses - “The Great Salt Lake”

Matt Costa - “Mr. Pitiful”